A light-hearted concert with a serious purpose took place at St James's Hall on 14 May 1880. Mounted to raise money for the Hospital for Sick Children it was organized by Helen Bouverie, Viscountess Folkestone (who also performed). Appreciative members of the Royal Family populated the front row of the stalls. A photograph survives of the performers (Fig. 3.1), many of whom had profiles as conductors. Setting their musical gravitas aside, this group of musicians joined in a newsworthy performance of Romberg's Toy Symphony under Henry Leslie's baton. The two conductors discussed in this chapter undertook birdsong effects: Sullivan played the part of the cuckoo and Barnby supplied the nightingale. Meanwhile, the quail was assigned to Hallé, the bells to Benedict, the first violins were Manns and Cusins and the pianists were Cowen and John F. Barnett. The ‘wild’ approach of the first violinists, who played ‘in something like tune’, added to the hilarity. The Prince and Princess of Wales encored Sullivan's antics as the cuckoo. Barnby and Sullivan's involvement in the fun of the Toy Symphony in 1880 is emblematic of their membership of, and valued status within, advantageous musical, artistic and social circles; both men enjoyed active connections with the monarchy, belonged to gentlemen's clubs and were brother masons. They were also close personal friends.